It is hard to part with her; but it is for her good and that of her people.

If you will write to me sometimes, she will read the letters to me and write letters to you in return, so that, though we are away from each other, we may know that neither of us has forgotten the other." Bahi and twelve young Malays were taken to Penang in the Serpent, where the doctor found a comfortable home for her with some friends of his, to whom payment for her board and schooling was to be paid by Hassan in blocks of tin, which he would obtain from boats coming down from the hills in exchange for other articles of trade.

The Malays were placed with men of their own race belonging to the protected States, and settled as carpenters, smiths, and other tradesmen in Penang.

Three years later, they and Bahi were all taken back in the Serpent to their home.
The river was acquiring considerable importance from the great increase of trade.

They found Hassan's town far more extensive and flourishing than it had been in the time of its predecessor.